The world of music is grieving the deaths of Dennis Bryon and Colin “Smiley” Petersen, both former drummers for the Bee Gees. The two drummers passed away within four days of each other in November 2024.
Dennis Bryon, born Dennis Ronald Bryon on April 14, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales, died on November 14 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 75. Bryon started playing drums at the age of 14. He first rose to prominence as a member of the band Amen Corner before he joined the Bee Gees in 1973. His drumming was significant to the Bee Gees’ disco era in the 1970s, providing the beat for tracks such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “You Should Be Dancing.”
Bryon was a member of the band until 1980. He later co-produced Robin Gibb’s 1983 album, “How Old Are You?” In his later years, Bryon lived in Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Kayte.
Colin Petersen, whose full name is Frederick Colin Petersen, was born on March 24, 1946, in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He passed away in his sleep on November 18, 2024, at the age of 78. Prior to his music career, Petersen was a child actor. He starred in the 1956 film “Smiley,” which gave him his lifelong nickname.
Petersen joined the Bee Gees in 1966 as their original drummer, making him the first non-Gibb brother to officially become a band member. He played on several early Bee Gees hits, such as “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Words.”
Petersen left the band in 1969 due to disagreements with management. He later formed the band Humpy Bong. In recent years, Petersen performed with the Best of the Bee Gees tribute show. He is survived by his two sons, Jaime and Ben.
The Bee Gees were formed in 1958 by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. They are one of the best-selling music artists in history, having sold more than 200 million records worldwide. The group’s career spanned numerous decades and they achieved many accolades, leaving a significant impact on the music industry.
The band managed to secure nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. These include timeless classics such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
The Bee Gees made a significant contribution to the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. This album sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.
In the UK, the Bee Gees had five number-one singles and 19 top-ten hits. They also wrote and produced hits for other artists, further solidifying their place in the music industry.
The Bee Gees demonstrated their ability to adapt to changing musical trends, especially their important role in the disco era. Their harmonious vocals and innovative songwriting have left a lasting mark on popular music and continue to impact artists and fans around the world.
The deaths of Petersen and Bryon represent a significant moment in the history of the band as both drummers were key figures during the evolution of the group.
